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Always a pleasure chatting with Andrew Hawkins. Just as during the season, before or after a game, regardless of outcome, Hawkins was great to deal with.

In a room full of good guys trying to rise to the top the correct way, he was one of best of them all. And he probably would win the award for funniest of all the players. An ongoing gag has been the 40-yard dash race set up between him and Bengals.com writer and friend to one and all Geoff Hobson.

He was going to give him a 20-yard head start. No word on if the race could still occur, though theories are abound Hawk had to leave in order to avoid this battle of titans.

As for Hawkins personally, the situation couldn't have worked out much better for him. In a season coming off an injury he lands his career deal with most of the money front-loaded for a WR who just turned 28 last week. His story is as unique as it comes. CFL to reality TV to a supposed camp body at Georgetown in 2011.

Guy made it happen by outworking everyone else because at 5-foot-7 he didn't have another option.

Here's a few extras from my conversation with Hawkins that didn't make the story or longer versions of quotes that did:

Hawkins on if he thought the Bengals might match at the last minute:

"I kind of figured the Bengals wouldn't match. Knowing what they had coming up it would be a little too steep for them. I had it already in my mind I was going to Cleveland. Which is fine. I'm just glad I had the opportunity. I thank God for what the Bengals had done for me. It really helped change my life, man. I can't say enough. I am debt to them for it forever."

Hawkins on the Browns pursuit:

"They made me a priority. Which is uncommon for a guy who is a restricted free agent. They told me they wanted me and they proved it. I am excited for the opportunity and thank God for where I'm at in my career and the fact I was even able even to make it here."

Hawkins on his view of how close they are to getting over the hump:

"I think they are close. They lost a couple of pieces this year, including myself, but the guys they have in the locker room are tough-minded guys, they are hard workers. Kudos to them becasue they have been able to build a roster of like-minded guys, who are work-minded guys that always want to take it to the next level. If I can go to Cleveland and help be a part of that in this organization, if I'm lucky, hopefully I can slow that Cincinnati progression up a little bit. But they do have a great roster with talented guys who bust their butt. The sky is the limit for them."

For 11 days a Virginia man had the winning Powerball ticket in his wallet. On a related note, if anybody is interested in a buy one, get one free appetizer (excluding the dip sampler) gift card from Local's circa last May, contact me.

AND FINALLY ...

Arcade Fire is so strong. Here they are covering MotownPhilly by Boyz II Men for their concert in Philadelphia.